Mushroom Bacon Gravy is creamy, delicious, and full of aromatics. Cremini mushrooms, red wine, and crispy bacon come together to make the best flavorful gravy. I don’t know if I’ll ever eat traditional gravy again!

Bacon mushroom gravy in a clear glass jar atop a striped dish towel with a white spoon on the side.

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Real talk, is there anything better than delicious gravy made right in your kitchen? I don’t think there is. Honestly, I would put it all in a bowl and eat it with a spoon. It’s that good.

Last week, I posted a recipe for Air Fryer Cornish Hens With Creamy Mushroom Bacon Gravy. Well, that gravy was SO good I decided it needed its own post.

If you’re like me and you don’t love traditional gravy, you’re going to love this. There is nothing traditional about this bacon gravy recipe and that’s what I love about it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: Everything you need to make this gravy is easy to find, if not already in your pantry. Plus one of those ingredients is bacon. Enough said.
A fun twist: This gravy is thick and creamy like your favorite winter soup. The chunks of mushrooms and bacon provide flavorful texture in every bite.
So many options: Most people associate gravy with a roasted turkey. But this recipe works well with a variety of main dishes and snacks (poutine, anyone?).

Mushroom bacon gravy in a weck jar with a small white spoon.

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED

The ingredients for this bacon gravy recipe are simple and you probably already have most of them at home:

Bacon: I prefer thick cut for chunkier bacon bits.

Cremini mushrooms: Also known as baby bella mushrooms, they provide a deep savory flavor as well as texture.

Dry red wine: Dry wine adds richness and complexity to savory dishes and will keep the mushrooms tender.

Heavy cream: Provides that comforting creamy texture like your favorite bowl of soup.

Chicken bone broth: Adds flavor and keeps the gravy smooth.

Seasonings: Fresh thyme and parsley add fresh, earthiness flavors.

Corn starch: Acts as a thickening agent for the liquid ingredients.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a depth of flavor to the gravy, while melting in for a smooth texture.

Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of mushroom, or have a different type on hand, that’s ok!
For a reduced fat option, try whole milk in place of the heavy cream.
If you don’t have fresh thyme and parsley handy, any fresh herbs will do.

Gravy with bacon and mushroom in a pan next to a wooden spoon and dish towel.

HOW TO MAKE MUSHROOM BACON GRAVY

This gravy is so creamy and pretty simple to make, too. Basically, all you’re doing is cooking the bacon, dicing it, and combining everything in a pan. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to make gravy:

Melt butter. In a large skillet, heat the butter, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, stirring occasionally for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and butter is melted.
Cook the mushrooms. Increase the heat and add the mushrooms and wine. Cook until the mushrooms have softened and wine has reduced by half.
Add the remaining ingredients. Whisk together the cornstarch and water, then add it to the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour in the cream, chicken broth, bacon pieces, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and remaining parsley and thyme. Simmer on medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened slightly. Note: if the wine comes to a rapid boil, reduce the heat. It should only come to a light boil.
Serve. Enjoy with your choice of a main dish or snack!

Note: Mixing the cornstarch with water before adding it to the pan is very important. If you add it to the pan by itself, it will most likely clump.

Air fryer bacon on white parchment paper.

HOW TO MAKE THE CRISPIEST BACON

I love cooking bacon in the air fryer. It’s my absolute FAVORITE way to make bacon. The bacon strips come out so crispy and the air fryer doesn’t produce any smoke or splatter any grease like when I cook bacon on the stove top.

To make the bacon in the air fryer:

Line the outer air fryer basket with aluminum foil.
Preheat the air fryer to 390 F.
Add the bacon strips in a single layer and cook them for 8-9 minutes.
Use a paper towel to remove excess grease from each bacon strip.
Chop the bacon into small pieces.

Tip!

If you slice the bacon in half, you can fit more in the basket.

You can also make candied bacon in the air fryer, it’s sooo good.

Bacon gravy in a small glass jar and a white spoon.

STORING MUSHROOM BACON GRAVY

To store the gravy, just place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. I love using these jars for this! You can store the gravy in the refrigerator for up to four days.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH MUSHROOM BACON GRAVY

I poured this gravy over Cornish hens a few weeks ago and it was to die for! I even put it on my plate as a side dish because it was so good.

I also recommend pouring it over my Crispy Air Fryer French Fry recipe and making it into a poutine.

A white spoon pouring bacon gravy over a cornish hen on a plate.

If you love this recipe, you’ll love my Bacon Mushroom Smothered Pork Chops Recipe! It’s basically a dairy free version of this Mushroom Bacon Gravy recipe, and it’s Whole30 compliant too!

Or, if you’re looking to round out your holiday menu, Healthy Green Bean Casserole, Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, and Air Fryer Turkey Legs are all delicious with mushroom bacon gravy!

Want to try this Mushroom Bacon Gravy Recipe?

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Did you make this recipe? Post a photo on Instagram and tag me @JZEATS or #JZEATS so I can see! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, too!